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The Oregon Series #0.5-0.75, 1.5-1.8
Beyond the Trail: Six Short Stories
Six short stories that give us glimpses into the lives of Luke, Nora, and the other characters from Backwards to Oregon.
● The Blue Hour: When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Lucinda Hamilton decides to start a new life—as a boy.
● Grasping at Straws: No one knows that Tess Swenson, madam of a brothel, also owns a livery stable and a number of other businesses. On one of her secret inspections, she makes a surprising discovery.
● A Rooster’s Job: The Hamiltons hoped to build a home in the idyllic Willamette Valley with mild winters, but now they’re snowed in and their rooster isn’t doing such a great job either.
● The Art of Pretending: Tess finds out that someone is stealing her money. She suspects Frankie, a woman who reminds her of Luke. But nothing is as it seems.
● The Christmas Oak: Luke sets out to bring home a Christmas tree—but she finds something else.
● Swept Away: The greatest flood in the history of Oregon sweeps away houses, barns, and animals in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, fourteen-year-old Amy is swept away by her feelings for her best friend.
● The Blue Hour: When her mother dies, twelve-year-old Lucinda Hamilton decides to start a new life—as a boy.
● Grasping at Straws: No one knows that Tess Swenson, madam of a brothel, also owns a livery stable and a number of other businesses. On one of her secret inspections, she makes a surprising discovery.
● A Rooster’s Job: The Hamiltons hoped to build a home in the idyllic Willamette Valley with mild winters, but now they’re snowed in and their rooster isn’t doing such a great job either.
● The Art of Pretending: Tess finds out that someone is stealing her money. She suspects Frankie, a woman who reminds her of Luke. But nothing is as it seems.
● The Christmas Oak: Luke sets out to bring home a Christmas tree—but she finds something else.
● Swept Away: The greatest flood in the history of Oregon sweeps away houses, barns, and animals in the Willamette Valley. At the same time, fourteen-year-old Amy is swept away by her feelings for her best friend.
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2013
82 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Jae
128 books3,833 followersJae is the author of twenty-six award-winning romances between women. She lives in the sunniest city of Germany, near the French and Swiss borders. The writing bug bit her at the age of eleven.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
She used to work as a psychologist but gave up her day job in 2013 to become a full-time writer and a part-time editor. As far as she’s concerned, it’s the best job in the world.
When she’s not writing, she is an avid reader of sapphic books, indulges her ice cream and office supply addictions, and watches way too many crime shows.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 16, 2022
Nice addition
These stories complements backwards to Oregon. They are short novellas mainly about Luke and Nora which gives additional insight into their lives. You really need to read backwards to Oregon to fully appreciate this book. But like the first book you won't be disappointed.
These stories complements backwards to Oregon. They are short novellas mainly about Luke and Nora which gives additional insight into their lives. You really need to read backwards to Oregon to fully appreciate this book. But like the first book you won't be disappointed.
August 12, 2024
6 short stories that add to the Oregon Series. (Says book 2, as is Hidden Truths). Enjoyed, good reads, top marks for a short story collection.
February 14, 2024
Update after audiobook listen:
While I loved the written version of these short stories, hearing them performed by Hayden Bishop was absolutely wonderful! It reminded me how much I loved the characters and now I want to go back and listen to the series all over again! HIGHLY recommend!
Original review:
Fantastic! Read this after listening to Backwards to Oregon in preparation to listen to the follow-up, Hidden Truths. Can't wait - I absolutely love these characters! These short stories were a real treat.
While I loved the written version of these short stories, hearing them performed by Hayden Bishop was absolutely wonderful! It reminded me how much I loved the characters and now I want to go back and listen to the series all over again! HIGHLY recommend!
Original review:
Fantastic! Read this after listening to Backwards to Oregon in preparation to listen to the follow-up, Hidden Truths. Can't wait - I absolutely love these characters! These short stories were a real treat.
August 16, 2021
Luke didn’t feel as if she were hiding. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t ducking her head.
3.5 stars. Nice little collection of shorts, telling us more about the characters' pasts and their lives after the events of the first book. I really enjoyed Tess and Frankie's little romance, and it was soooo nice seeing the kids growing up. ;; It's a little tiresome to go back into the POV of someone who doesn't know Luke's secret, and I feel like this will make the next book frustrating for me as well, but I'm still looking forward to reading it.
July 19, 2016
Six lovely addenda to Backwards to Oregon.
A homage by the author to her own characters for completeness.
Not as powerful as the original novel. Just to remain a bit more with those beloved characters.
A homage by the author to her own characters for completeness.
Not as powerful as the original novel. Just to remain a bit more with those beloved characters.
August 25, 2018
Like each of those shorts. I read them just after gulping Backwards To Oregon.
It's delightful to see how the characters have lived before or after the first book.
It's delightful to see how the characters have lived before or after the first book.
January 3, 2022
4 stars. Wonderful collection of short stories. I thoroughly enjoyed them all but my favorites were “The Blue Hour” which is a short little origin story about Luke. “The Christmas Oak” because it was super sweet and festive. I also liked Phin and hope he shows up more in the next book. And “Swept Away” fourteen year old Amy (I cannot believe she’s 14 at this point! Omg!) is harboring a crush on her best friend. It was super adorable but bittersweet. Loved this so much.
January 8, 2025
I love these short stories from the hamilton family world. I would LOVE to see more of Tess and Frankie.
February 12, 2022
Beyond The Trail is a collection of 6 short stories that both gives more insight through back story on some of the characters, and furthers their storylines with the stories from their everyday lives and introducing some new characters. In my opinion this was definitely as good as book 1. There’s 2 more short story collections and a book 2 that I can’t wait to read. I really hope there’s more about Tess and Frankie maybe even their own book in the future 👀 because I really enjoyed their dynamic, and hearing more from Tess. Really great read, and a great continuation of book 1.
September 21, 2021
Great to read if you simply can't have enough of Backwards to Oregon's characters.
My favorite story is The Art of Pretending... I wish it was longer. I wouldn't mind reading a whole novel about Tess and Frankie.
My favorite story is The Art of Pretending... I wish it was longer. I wouldn't mind reading a whole novel about Tess and Frankie.
December 30, 2019
I can't believe I fell in love with this wonderful series and got attached to the main characters so quickly but I guess that's just how love works sometimes, LOL!!!! Last night I finished "Beyond the Trail" and I feel like it really filled in so many spaces and answered so many questions I had wondered about. I thought all six stories were delightful but I guess I did have my favorites, "The Christmas Oak" and "Grasping at Straws." Maybe it's because I think they show the sweet and caring hearts of the characters.
April 15, 2025
I loved 'Backwards to Oregon' and was so happy to see, that there are multiple sequels / prequels!!
It's always a pleasure to discover these short stories, since they are almost like fan-fiction. Having already gotten to know the characters, it is easy to get into their daily life.
It's always a pleasure to discover these short stories, since they are almost like fan-fiction. Having already gotten to know the characters, it is easy to get into their daily life.
March 3, 2025
Lovely collection of short stories that give more insight into some Backwards to Oregon characters’ stories and also glimpses of Luke and Nora’s life in Oregon.
April 1, 2017
This book includes six short stories set in the world of Backwards to Oregon.
The Blue Hour
This is a short (about 13 pages) story that shows Luke's early years as Lucinda, the daughter of a prostitute. Luke's past is hinted at in Backwards to Oregon, and Luke states that she is the daughter of a prostitute, so it's not exactly a secret. However, it was interesting to see how Lucinda decided to become Luke.
Grasping at Straws
This is another short (about 8 pages) story that shows Nora's past in a little more detail. If you wondered exactly how Tess found Nora, how Nora came to work in Tess' brothel, or how Nora came by the name of "Fleur," this story answers all of those questions.
A Rooster's Job
A bit longer than the previous two stories, this one is about Luke and her family surviving a particularly harsh winter in Oregon. Luke (who refers to herself with feminine pronouns, so I do the same) has some serious doubts about her ability to take care of her wife and children in this new, harsh land. Nora shows Luke that she doesn't have to be perfect for things to work out well. I liked this story; Luke often comes across as almost possessing saint-like perfection in Backwards to Oregon, so it was nice to see her have some doubts and faults of her own.
The Art of Pretending
This is the longest story in the collection. A few years after Luke and Nora left for Oregon, someone is stealing Tess' money from her many businesses. Tess suspects Frankie, who reminds her of Luke as she is a woman who (sometimes) dresses as a man. Altogether, I probably cared for this story the least, just because I'm not much for mysteries, but it was nice to see what happened with Tess. I really liked her character in Backwards to Oregon, and she deserves some happiness.
The Christmas Oak
This is a short, cute story about the Hamiltons taking in a wayward youth over the holiday season. I don't have much to say about this story, except that I did enjoy it - and Phin plays a role in Hidden Truths.
Swept Away
This story is probably my second least favorite in the collection, just because it feels like it doesn't serve much of a purpose. There's a flood and the Hamiltons, as well as their neighbors, try to rescue a family who built their house too close to the river. Amy discovers that she feels more than just friendly feelings for her best friend, Hannah.
Altogether recommended for those who read and enjoyed Jae's Backwards to Oregon.
The Blue Hour
This is a short (about 13 pages) story that shows Luke's early years as Lucinda, the daughter of a prostitute. Luke's past is hinted at in Backwards to Oregon, and Luke states that she is the daughter of a prostitute, so it's not exactly a secret. However, it was interesting to see how Lucinda decided to become Luke.
Grasping at Straws
This is another short (about 8 pages) story that shows Nora's past in a little more detail. If you wondered exactly how Tess found Nora, how Nora came to work in Tess' brothel, or how Nora came by the name of "Fleur," this story answers all of those questions.
A Rooster's Job
A bit longer than the previous two stories, this one is about Luke and her family surviving a particularly harsh winter in Oregon. Luke (who refers to herself with feminine pronouns, so I do the same) has some serious doubts about her ability to take care of her wife and children in this new, harsh land. Nora shows Luke that she doesn't have to be perfect for things to work out well. I liked this story; Luke often comes across as almost possessing saint-like perfection in Backwards to Oregon, so it was nice to see her have some doubts and faults of her own.
The Art of Pretending
This is the longest story in the collection. A few years after Luke and Nora left for Oregon, someone is stealing Tess' money from her many businesses. Tess suspects Frankie, who reminds her of Luke as she is a woman who (sometimes) dresses as a man. Altogether, I probably cared for this story the least, just because I'm not much for mysteries, but it was nice to see what happened with Tess. I really liked her character in Backwards to Oregon, and she deserves some happiness.
The Christmas Oak
This is a short, cute story about the Hamiltons taking in a wayward youth over the holiday season. I don't have much to say about this story, except that I did enjoy it - and Phin plays a role in Hidden Truths.
Swept Away
This story is probably my second least favorite in the collection, just because it feels like it doesn't serve much of a purpose. There's a flood and the Hamiltons, as well as their neighbors, try to rescue a family who built their house too close to the river. Amy discovers that she feels more than just friendly feelings for her best friend, Hannah.
Altogether recommended for those who read and enjoyed Jae's Backwards to Oregon.
February 16, 2020
A copy was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
I really like this collection of stories. The stories about Luke, Tess, Amy and Nora made the story from "Backwards to Oregon" and "Hidden truhts" more complete and realistic. After the reading I could better understand the characters.
I specially liked the story about Tess and I really wish for more stories about Tess and Frances, but every story in this book is really good.
I really like this collection of stories. The stories about Luke, Tess, Amy and Nora made the story from "Backwards to Oregon" and "Hidden truhts" more complete and realistic. After the reading I could better understand the characters.
I specially liked the story about Tess and I really wish for more stories about Tess and Frances, but every story in this book is really good.
December 20, 2017
Excellent short stories from the ‘Backwards to Oregon’ universe
For fans of Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths, these stories are a wonderful bonus addition to that universe, filling in the blanks about characters meeting outside of the two novels etc. For readers not familiar with the novels the short stories are a good introduction to both Jae’s skill as a writer and to the 19th century American Old West setting where the novels and these short stories are set. The six short stories contain plenty of action, drama, love, romance, humor, heart, and badass female characters.
As one who has read the two novels above, I’d suggest reading them first in order to be familiar with all the characters and their relationships before getting more detail about them in this short story collection. However, reading these short stories as a standalone, introduction to Jae's work, or as a lead-up to the Oregon series novels would probably work as well; they may entice new readers who end up loving these stories and are curious enough about the characters to then immerse themselves in the novels. Either way there is great writing in this collection and it's worth reading. If resourceful and resilient women living their lives in the Old West appeals to you then this collection is worth checking out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For fans of Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths, these stories are a wonderful bonus addition to that universe, filling in the blanks about characters meeting outside of the two novels etc. For readers not familiar with the novels the short stories are a good introduction to both Jae’s skill as a writer and to the 19th century American Old West setting where the novels and these short stories are set. The six short stories contain plenty of action, drama, love, romance, humor, heart, and badass female characters.
As one who has read the two novels above, I’d suggest reading them first in order to be familiar with all the characters and their relationships before getting more detail about them in this short story collection. However, reading these short stories as a standalone, introduction to Jae's work, or as a lead-up to the Oregon series novels would probably work as well; they may entice new readers who end up loving these stories and are curious enough about the characters to then immerse themselves in the novels. Either way there is great writing in this collection and it's worth reading. If resourceful and resilient women living their lives in the Old West appeals to you then this collection is worth checking out.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2017
Six short stories all written to give extra insight to the lives of Luke Nora and Amy and Nattie.
The Blue Hour, Grasping at Straws, A Rooster’s Job, The Art of Pretending. The Christmas Oak, Swept Away.
I really enjoyed reading about how “Luke” came into being. How Nora came to work in a brothel. Reading more about Tess (one of my favourite characters). Especially enjoyed learning how Phin entered the story. And how Amy at fourteen is now growing up.
Brilliant well written characters, vivid scenic descriptions make this a marvellous read. Excellent book.
The perfect book to read between Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths.
The Blue Hour, Grasping at Straws, A Rooster’s Job, The Art of Pretending. The Christmas Oak, Swept Away.
I really enjoyed reading about how “Luke” came into being. How Nora came to work in a brothel. Reading more about Tess (one of my favourite characters). Especially enjoyed learning how Phin entered the story. And how Amy at fourteen is now growing up.
Brilliant well written characters, vivid scenic descriptions make this a marvellous read. Excellent book.
The perfect book to read between Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths.
October 24, 2020
sweet little vignettes (two brief origin stories for Luke and Nora) plus an expansion of the character of Tess the owner of the brothel-and-more.
It was nice to have a peek into the Hamilton family’s lives at a few different intervals as Amy and Nattie grew up and I even got a little misty eyed during the river scene with Luke, Amy, and Lucinda.
VERY interested to learn more about little Lucy since I’ve already read Jae’s Shaken to the Core and want to know if she’s Dr Lucy’s namesake or if it’s for Luke.... ONWARD FORTH TO HIDDEN TRUTHS
It was nice to have a peek into the Hamilton family’s lives at a few different intervals as Amy and Nattie grew up and I even got a little misty eyed during the river scene with Luke, Amy, and Lucinda.
VERY interested to learn more about little Lucy since I’ve already read Jae’s Shaken to the Core and want to know if she’s Dr Lucy’s namesake or if it’s for Luke.... ONWARD FORTH TO HIDDEN TRUTHS
March 26, 2021
Tess Swenson and Amy Hamilton <3
I loved and thoroughly enjoyed reading every single story in this, but one of them — The Art of Pretending — made me crush on Tess Swenson hard! I did not see that coming but who's complaining!
And Amy. Oh, my goodness. I still feel like a gay aunt that is very proud of her gay niece! Now, I'm off to reading the next book in this series, Hidden Truths.
I loved and thoroughly enjoyed reading every single story in this, but one of them — The Art of Pretending — made me crush on Tess Swenson hard! I did not see that coming but who's complaining!
And Amy. Oh, my goodness. I still feel like a gay aunt that is very proud of her gay niece! Now, I'm off to reading the next book in this series, Hidden Truths.
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January 7, 2025these were all good but ofc my favorite was The Blue Hour with baby Luke: “It felt as if she were seeing herself for the first time.” “She didn’t feel as if she were hiding. For the first time in her life, she wasn’t ducking her head.” and going “I could take care of you,” aafshskdkl tiny gent Luke so cute
October 26, 2017
Once again we have a great set of short stories
Yup the only thing wrong... There short lol I love these stories, just wish they would go on longer. Jae is an amazing writer, all her books are so worth buying.
Yup the only thing wrong... There short lol I love these stories, just wish they would go on longer. Jae is an amazing writer, all her books are so worth buying.
February 23, 2019
A collection of short stories... Back stories, side stories and fill-in-the-blank stories.
Even though some of these stories precede the main novel's story lines, I'd read both Backwards and Hidden Truths first.
Even though some of these stories precede the main novel's story lines, I'd read both Backwards and Hidden Truths first.
March 11, 2019
Love the Hamilton's
I love Jae's novels about the Hamilton's and all their adventures. These stories fill in the gaps between Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths. The only problem is that I always want more.
I love Jae's novels about the Hamilton's and all their adventures. These stories fill in the gaps between Backwards to Oregon and Hidden Truths. The only problem is that I always want more.
May 24, 2019
Lovely to read after reading the main two books!
This was a great way to fill in the little unknowns left from the main stories, loved it! I can only hope to read more about this family in the future!
This was a great way to fill in the little unknowns left from the main stories, loved it! I can only hope to read more about this family in the future!
December 26, 2019
After Backwards To Oregon blew my mind with its brilliance, I was excited to read anything even remotely related. I cared about the various characters and really loved reading this book. Jae delivers in spades.
July 8, 2020
He asked you,,,what?
This was the first time I read the entire book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. Luke,Nora, and the girls all grew-up together raising horses. Great to hear Luke living his dream. Off to my next adventure.
This was the first time I read the entire book in one day. I couldn’t put it down. Luke,Nora, and the girls all grew-up together raising horses. Great to hear Luke living his dream. Off to my next adventure.
November 18, 2021
Wonderful Additions to Backward To Oregon
The continuing story of Luke and Nora Hamilton, their children, and Tess. Wonderful historical insights for LGBTQ characters. Great series.
The continuing story of Luke and Nora Hamilton, their children, and Tess. Wonderful historical insights for LGBTQ characters. Great series.
January 6, 2026
One of the things I love is authors that tell you what happens to characters you love in sequels or short stories. This book is no different. I loved reading what happened to the Hamilton's after Backwards to Oregon.
January 29, 2020
Loved seeing more into these characters. Great job as always
January 31, 2020
A good gap filler
This book helps to fill some of the gaps between Backwards to Oregon and the sequel Hidden Truths. A book of good short stories.
This book helps to fill some of the gaps between Backwards to Oregon and the sequel Hidden Truths. A book of good short stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews